Tour of Montana Cancels First Two Bike Races in Missoula

Organizers of a bike racing festival in Missoula next week have canceled the first two races because of concerns over closing high-traffic city and state roads.

Tour of Montana executive director Nicole Adamson Friday announced that the team time trial next Thursday and the one-day circuit road race on Friday have both been postponed.

Adamson says the first-year event will hold the criterium races on July 18 and the recreational ride on July 19.

She tells the Missoulian that the change was a tough but necessary decision to ensure the success of the event this year and future years.

Adamson says planning for the 2016 race will begin next month in order to solve the logistics with roads.

Adamson says she hasn't heard any complaints from sponsors and racers.